MTA workers' union: We want more money

If the MTA has a spare $30 million to add and restore service on buses and commuter rails, it also has money to pay workers more, the head of its largest workers’ union said today.

”They have enough for raises,” John Samuelsen, president of the Transport Workers Union said today.

”Its time for the MTA to stop screwing its workers. The MTA can pay.”

The TWU - which reps over 34,000 transit workers - is locked in bitter negotiations with the agency over demands for cost of living raises.

Its workers - who famously went on an illegal strike in 2005 - have gone seven months without a contract.

Speaking at a workers’ rally in Lower Manhattan, Samuelsen said he won’t accept a contract of three years with zero wage increases, as other state workers have.

The MTA - which recently increased service on dozens of buses, the Long Island Rail Road and MetroNorth - said its finances have improved because of cost-cutting.

But not enough to dole out raises.

”Our resources are limited and our budget is fragile, but we believe this extra funding is sustainable, and we are investing all of it in service,” said Adam Lisberg, MTA spokesman.
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